Why E-Ink Tablets Are a Game Changer for Focus and Productivity
Many people know the Apple iPad, but it’s not always the best fit if you experience eye strain, get easily distracted, or simply prefer a natural, paper-like feel for reading and writing. If that sounds like you, an e-ink tablet could be the perfect solution. These devices are designed to minimize distractions, offer superb readability, and provide an excellent handwriting experience, making them a fantastic choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking greater focus.
E-ink tablets have grown significantly in popularity over the years, and there’s a wide variety to choose from. Having personally tested many models and being a big fan of e-ink technology, I’m here to guide you, whether you’re looking to replace physical paper, boost your productivity with a ‘second brain’ device, or simply find a great e-reader.
The Best E-Ink Tablets: A Quick Look
Here’s a summary of our top picks, showcasing some of the leading devices for various needs:
- Boox Tab X C / Boox Note Max: Our top overall recommendation for versatile e-ink performance.
- Viwoods AI Paper: The ultimate choice for students with advanced AI integration.
- Boox Note Air 4C: The best for those seeking a vibrant color e-ink experience.
- Kindle Colorsoft (2025): The ideal dedicated e-reader for Amazon’s vast library.
- Ratta Supernote Manta: An exceptional digital notebook designed for deep thought organization.
- Remarkable Paper Pro: The finest paper replacement for a premium writing experience.
E-ink technology first gained widespread recognition with the Amazon Kindle, and for many, it was their introduction to this innovative display. Unlike traditional LCD screens that blast light directly into your eyes and rapidly refresh images, e-ink displays don’t have backlights. Instead, they rely on ambient light and only refresh the screen when absolutely necessary—sometimes just once per page turn. This fundamental difference is key to their appeal.
Today’s e-ink tablets have come a long way from basic e-readers. They’ve transformed into versatile alternatives to conventional tablets, often running on customized Android operating systems. Some even provide access to the Google Play Store. These devices typically come equipped with a suite of apps for reading, writing, planning, and other productivity tasks, even if you can’t download every app imaginable. The handwriting experience is particularly impressive, often leveraging Wacom EMR technology and specially textured surfaces to mimic the feel of pen on paper.
Despite these technological leaps, the inherent limitations of e-ink displays actually work to your advantage by significantly reducing distractions while you read or take notes. Although some models allow for web browsing or video playback, the experience is generally not as rapid, smooth, or enticing as on an LCD tablet, which encourages greater focus and productivity.
How to Choose the Perfect E-Ink Tablet for You
E-ink tablets are no longer a niche product; the technology has advanced considerably, introducing more considerations when selecting the best device for your needs. While I’ve meticulously researched and tested options to provide top recommendations, if you prefer to explore on your own, here are the key features to prioritize:
Stylus Compatibility
Just like traditional tablets, e-ink devices vary in stylus support. The most common and highly regarded technology for e-ink is Wacom EMR (electromagnetic resonance). Wacom styluses are favored for their natural feel, responsiveness, and excellent palm rejection, plus they never need recharging. Any EMR stylus is compatible with any EMR tablet. However, the same can’t be said for capacitive styluses, which operate on different brand-specific standards like Bluetooth, USI, and USI 2.0. While USI 2.0 is backward compatible with USI, the reverse is not true, making compatibility a bit tricky. For the simplest and most reliable experience, if a tablet offers stylus support, Wacom EMR is generally the preferred choice.
Device Dimensions
E-ink tablets come in various sizes, from compact, smartphone-like devices to large, paper-sized models. For instance, you’ll find options around 10.3 inches or just over 11 inches, and even expansive 13.3-inch displays. If portability is your priority and you mainly need a basic e-reader, a smaller tablet might be ideal. For those who frequently read large PDFs or desire a writing surface that closely mimics physical paper, a 13.3-inch model would be an excellent choice. If you’re undecided, a mid-range option, such as a 10.3-inch tablet, often provides a versatile and safe balance.
Color vs. Monochrome Displays
A key decision is whether you need a color screen or if black and white will suffice. Color is valuable for documents with charts, graphs, or highlighting, as well as for app usage or extensive web browsing. However, if your primary uses are reading, writing, or sketching, a monochrome display is often perfectly adequate and typically more affordable. It’s crucial to understand that color e-ink isn’t as vibrant as color on an LCD tablet; imagine it more like reading a color newspaper, and you’ll have a realistic expectation.
Operating System and Application Availability
When choosing your tablet, consider if you need access to a dedicated app store or if the manufacturer’s pre-installed features are enough. Many e-ink tablets intentionally limit downloadable apps to prevent distractions. However, some brands, like Boox, offer a comprehensive Android experience on their e-ink devices. Remember, simply running Android doesn’t guarantee Google Play Store access, so confirm that your chosen tablet supports all the applications essential for your daily tasks.
Display Technology and Clarity
You’ll encounter various screen technologies and features when exploring different tablets. For e-reading and writing, most modern displays perform similarly, so you needn’t dwell too much on the specifics unless you’re considering a much older model. Instead, focus on the display’s resolution and pixel density (PPI). Currently, 300 PPI is considered the benchmark, providing a sharp reading experience and sufficient detail for illustrations and photos.
However, thorough research remains vital, especially with color e-ink technology advancing rapidly. Newer panels often boast more vibrant colors and reduced ghosting. Before making a purchase, particularly for older models, always check user reviews to understand real-world performance, as subjective factors like ghosting, app speed, and battery life can greatly impact your satisfaction.
The Importance of User Reviews
I cannot emphasize this enough: even if you feel completely confident about a particular tablet, always invest time in reading and watching various reviews. This will give you a clearer picture of its actual strengths and weaknesses. Factors like ghosting performance, app fluidity, update frequency, and battery life are all subjective and not always apparent from product descriptions alone. Depending on your personal preferences, what’s a popular feature for one user could be a significant annoyance for another. Save yourself potential frustration by doing your homework before committing to a purchase – you’ll thank yourself later.
1. Boox Tab X C / Boox Note Max
The Ultimate E-Ink Experience
For unparalleled all-around performance in the e-ink world, look no further than Boox. The Boox Tab X C is your go-to for the finest color e-ink experience, boasting a 13.3-inch Kaleido 3 display with sharp 300 PPI for black & white content and 150 PPI for color. If color isn’t a priority but an exceptional handwriting experience in an expansive format is, the monochrome Boox Note Max, with its 13.3-inch Carta 1300 display and 300 PPI, is the ideal choice.
Both tablets offer a stellar experience, powered by a Qualcomm Octa-Core processor and 6GB of memory for fast, fluid operation with minimal ghosting. Boox’s Android-based operating system is remarkably refined, delivering rich functionality and polish. They’ve even tackled common hurdles like writing latency in Microsoft OneNote, ensuring broad compatibility with various third-party apps.
The Note Max excels for avid readers and writers, providing crisp, clear text and a satisfyingly tactile handwriting experience thanks to its micro-textured screen. The Tab X C, conversely, offers vibrant full color, and its glossy screen enhances clarity and visual richness.
The primary distinction lies in stylus support: the Tab X C utilizes USI 2.0 capacitive stylus technology with haptic feedback, offering a decent writing feel, especially with haptics adjusted. However, for a truly superior pen-on-paper sensation, the Note Max, with its Wacom EMR stylus support, remains unmatched. If you opt for the Tab X C and plan on extensive typing, consider a Bluetooth keyboard or its dedicated keyboard case for an optimal experience.
Product Specifications (Boox Tab X C / Note Max)
- Display (Tab X C): 13.3-inch, Color E-Ink Kaleido 3
- Resolution (Tab X C): B&W: 3200×2400 (300 PPI), Color: 1600×1200 (150 PPI)
- Display (Note Max): 13.3”, B&W E-Ink Carta 1300
- Resolution (Note Max): 3200×2400 (300 PPI)
- Processor: Qualcomm Octa-Core (up to 2.8 GHz)
- Storage: 128GB
- Memory: 6GB
- Stylus Support: USI 2.0 (Tab X C), Wacom EMR (Note Max)
Pros:
- Full Android operating system
- High-resolution screen
- Fast response time with minimal ghosting
- Good performance as a laptop replacement
Cons:
- Glossy, untextured screen (Tab X C)
2. Viwoods AI Paper
Best for Students
The Viwoods AI Paper has been one of the biggest surprises of the year in the world of e-ink tablets. It launched strong with a solid feature set that emphasized handwriting and AI integration, but it has leaned into a rapid update cadence that has dramatically expanded its functionality and features. It’s now the unquestionable leader for e-ink tablets for students.
This tablet comes with a comparatively large 10.3-inch screen with a 300 PPI pixel density, so text looks crisp and clear no matter what you’re doing. Its presentation is relatively unique with different sections dedicated to writing, sketching, planning, and organization. It covers all the bases you would hope for from an e-ink tablet and then adds layers on top to make it so useful it’s likely to become an indispensable companion for any student.
For starters, updates have allowed it to integrate into existing planning systems like the Google Drive suite. Its Calendar app can tie into Google Calendar and pull down any scheduled events as well as sync events that you might add from the tablet. You can back up to Drive and utilize Gmail. Outlook is another option if your school uses the Microsoft suite instead.
Viwoods has expanded its ability to utilize tags and keywords to sort and connect your thinking. This is exceptionally useful for students to be able to connect different ideas and tag them with keywords to quickly search and retrieve lines of connected information and notes. This also applies to handwritten notes, as its AI functionality allows it to recognize handwritten characters for searchability and text conversion.
I was impressed at what it offered in my original review earlier this year. With the number and quality of updates, it’s much, much better today.
But it’s the AI Paper’s ability to leverage ChatGPT and several other LLM services that makes it the best overall fit for students. A dedicated AI button and microphone allow you to call up and talk to your AI assistant at any time. It’s able to interpret what’s on the screen and offer feedback and context.
In simpler terms, you can organize conversations into a personal knowledge base that the AI can use for reference. The AI integration is able to offer you additional insights, suggestions, and context to act as anything from an editor to a research assistant or tutor and can have knowledge bases for each class you’re taking.
While other tablets offer you the ability to use AI in set applications or for set purposes, Viwood’s significantly deeper integration makes it far more useful and a part of the core experience. All of this in addition to its great handwriting experience and ability to install applications from the Google Play Store. And did I mention that it’s great for sketching?
This tablet is the perfect choice for students but it’s also one of the best e-ink tablets out there period, so consider this one a wholesale recommendation.
Product Specifications (Viwoods AI Paper)
- Display: 10.7-inch, E-Ink Carta 1300
- Resolution: 1920×2560 (300 PPI)
- Processor: MediaTek MT8183 Octa-Core 2 GHz
- Storage: 128GB
- Memory: 4GB
- Stylus Support: Wacom EMR
Pros:
- Thin, light, and high performance
- One of the whitest Carta 1300 displays available
- AI integration for advanced features (such as text summarizing, research, etc.)
- Plentiful updates since launch
Cons:
- Monochrome only
3. Boox Note Air 4C
Best Color E-Ink Tablet
The Boox Note Air 4C is the younger sibling to our shared top pick, the Tab X C. Unlike that tablet, the Air 4C features a textured screen and Wacom EMR stylus support for an even better writing experience. It’s smaller, too, which makes it more portable and useful as an on-the-go e-reader.
At 10.3 inches, it offers ample screen real estate for reading and note taking. One of my favorite things to do on it is read graphic novels. While e-ink is inherently less vibrant than LCD, it’s great to be able to experience those colors and have outdoor sunlight make the viewing experience better rather than worse.
Like many other Boox tablets, the Note Air 4C offers the full Android experience, including providing access to the Google Play Store. The company has developed its own suite of apps for reading, writing, planning, and web browsing, but you’re free to download anything you’d like if you would rather use it instead. Microsoft One Note even works fine thanks to a clever behind-the-scenes workaround Boox has applied to get around the input latency that plagues other e-ink tablets.
The Air 4C is one of the Boox’s most popular tablets and for good reason. Its blend of high-resolution color screen, great writing experience, and responsive performance make it hard to beat – in fact, when the Tab X C released, many people were disappointed that it wasn’t just a bigger Air 4C! In my review of the Air 4C, I was a big fan of the writing experience and that it was fast enough to play simple games like Threes in my downtime.
There are some quirks, like minor ghosting in apps with regular animations and a charging port that requires you to take the tablet out of its protective case to recharge. Overall, though, it’s a stellar pick if you plan to do a lot of handwriting but still want the best color e-ink experience.
Product Specifications (Boox Note Air 4C)
- Display: 10.3-inch, Color E-Ink Kaleido 3
- Resolution: B&W: 3200×2400 (300 PPI), Color: 1600×1200 (150 PPI)
- Processor: Qualcomm Octa-Core (up to 2.8 GHz)
- Storage: 128GB
- Memory: 6GB
- Stylus Support: Wacom EMR
Pros:
- Full Android operating system
- High-resolution color screen
- Fast response time with minimal ghosting
- Good performance as a portable device
Cons:
- Glossy, untextured screen
4. Kindle Colorsoft (2025)
Best E-Reader
There is no e-reader as well-known as the Amazon Kindle, and with its latest release, the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft has slid into the top spot for anyone that doesn’t mind purchasing their ebooks from Amazon’s vast library. Of course, if you don’t care about color, the Kindle Paperwhite is the next best, but either way, Amazon continues to have the e-reader market on lock.
The Kindle Colorsoft is the latest version of the Kindle to come to market, and it’s a welcome one. The original Kindle Colorsoft was plagued by yellow banding issues distorting colors along its bottom edge. With this release, it appears that Amazon has officially solved those issues, making it one of the most cost-effective and easy-to-use e-ink tablets out there.
Unlike most of the other devices in this list, the Colorsoft isn’t trying to be your do-it-all tablet. Instead, this is a purpose-driven device designed to provide you with easy access to your ebook library anywhere you might be. You’ll need to be in the Amazon ecosystem or use a tool like Calibre to add non-Amazon ebooks, but you’ll find that this is the hands-down easiest way to access your entire library.
Like the other color tablets on this list, the Colorsoft’s plentiful assortment of hues adds a new dimension to anything with color pictures or illustrations. It makes a strong first impression, too, rendering all of your book covers in full color. As is the case with all e-ink screens right now, they won’t be as vibrant as an LCD reader can produce, but few other hobbies benefit from a paper-like screen more than good, old-fashioned reading.
The new Kindle Colorsoft goes for $250 but tends to go on sale whenever there’s a major shopping event. You can always bank on Amazon devices getting discounted during Prime Day. If you don’t need color, the Kindle Paperwhite is only $160.
Product Specifications (Kindle Colorsoft)
- Display: 7-inch Colorsoft Display
- Resolution: 1264×1680 (300 PPI B&W, 150 PPI Color)
- Processor: 2.0 GHz, Dual-Core
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery Life: Up to eight weeks
Pros:
- Native access to Kindle library
- Full color for illustrations and graphic novels
- Huge ebook library to shop from, access to Kindle Unlimited
Cons:
- Limited to Amazon ebooks
5. Ratta Supernote Manta
Best Digital Notebook
The Supernote Manta from Ratta is one of the most popular digital notebooks out there. It has a dedicated fan base, which is true of many options on this list, but few are as enthusiastic as the Manta’s. Thanks to an existing customer-first approach to business and a design that emphasizes interconnecting your thoughts in a way that few other tablets do, it’s as close to a "second brain" as e-ink tablets have been able to deliver so far.
Here’s the thing: While many, if not most, of the leading e-ink tablets on the market allow you to organize your notes and add tags, the Manta allows you to link between ideas more deeply and easily than anything else out there I’m aware of. You can add links to previous notes, categorize them with keywords, and search handwritten text. Notes can be linked to documents, images, and web pages. It’s also smart enough to create outlines for your documents on the fly, so even mid-note, it puts organization at the forefront.
In addition, it highly emphasizes the quality of the writing experience. The Supernote Manta uses a soft surface with a proprietary screen protector to give a gel pen-like writing experience. It comes with lots of templates you can use to create your notebooks and allows you to sort everything into your choice of custom or pre-made folders, including subfolders, to really personalize your workflow.
Ratta has also implemented its own dedicated art application called Atelier. While basic note-taking still has a relatively limited pen selection, there are significantly more options built into Atelier, including different pencil hardnesses to shade with just gradients.
It never ceases to impress me what actual artists can create using the Manta. While I would never classify myself as an actual artist, I’ve still had a lot of fun using it for impromptu drawing and practicing new handwriting techniques. If you’re an art major, though, or just enjoy sketching, the Manta provides a lifelike drawing experience with an easy ability to move your drawings off of the device into the cloud or directly to your PC.
While some people will find its lack of Google Play Store support limiting, it’s one of the few devices that allows you to create a Wikipedia-like web of connection between your thoughts, which impressed me in my review. It should be on your radar if you’re looking for a digital notebook that can become integral to your day and be genuinely helpful to supplement your memory and planning.
Product Specifications (Ratta Supernote Manta)
- Display: 10.7-inch E-Ink Carta 1300
- Resolution: 1920×2560 (300 PPI)
- Processor: RK3566 Quad-Core 1.8 GHz
- Storage: 32GB (up to 2TB with microSD expansion)
- Memory: 4GB
- Stylus Support: Wacom EMR
Pros:
- Excellent note-taking and organization experience
- Dedicated art application with impressive depth
- Elegant, user-upgradeable design
- Connecting thoughts and ideas is central to its design
Cons:
- Adding third-party apps isn’t supported
6. Remarkable Paper Pro
Best Paper Replacement
In the e-ink space, Remarkable is probably the most well-known brand out there. The original Remarkable and its successor, the Remarkable 2, were very highly regarded and brought the idea of digital notebooks to a large mainstream audience in a way that shook the industry and made many of these other tablets possible. The Remarkable Paper Pro continues its legacy of delivering a class-leading writing experience and feels the most premium of any e-ink tablet I’ve used thus far. As far as paper replacements go, it’s great.
One of my hands-down favorite qualities that I talk about in my review is its excellent handwriting experience. Not only does the screen feel great to write on with its subtly textured surface, Remarkable is pulling some software magic behind the scenes to make your handwriting look better than anywhere else. Impressively, the changes are small enough that your handwriting still looks like your own, but looking back at it, it’s satisfyingly refined in a way that will leave you wishing other tablets did the same.
There’s also something about the way colors render on the screen, initially black and then chased by a colored line, that’s oddly satisfying. Its color presentation is quite good and is one of the more vibrant options out there. It’s perfect for reading PDFs and color coding within your own notebooks and templates.
Remarkable has never hid the fact that it is a handwriting-first device. Over the years, its ‘first to the mainstream’ bona fides have allowed the company to occupy a somewhat luxurious space. That’s evident in the weighty, metallic build of the Paper Pro and, it must be said, its comparatively high price.
Whether or not this is a good fit for you will depend entirely on whether you are looking for a pure paper replacement. While there are lots of downloadable templates and resources available to aid in your writing and organization, there are no outside apps, no dedicated art functions, and no way to access Kindle. Your e-reading needs are limited to PDFs and ePubs, although you can access and review Microsoft Word and Powerpoint files.
Overall, the Remarkable Paper Pro is limited in comparison to many other e-ink tablets but is a good example of choosing one thing – replacing paper – and doing it well.
Product Specifications (Remarkable Paper Pro)
- Display: 11.8-inch Canvas Color
- Resolution: 2160×1620 (229 PPI)
- Processor: 1.8 GHz Quad-Core Cortex-A53
- Storage: 64GB
- Memory: 2GB
- Stylus Support: USI 2.0
Pros:
- Class-leading writing experience
- Purpose-built for writing, with a side-dish of reading
- Lots of built-in templates and downloadable resources
- Handwriting enhancement is subtle but addicting
Cons:
- Walled garden design with no third-party app support
- No web browser or third-party apps (including Kindle)
- Expensive
E-Ink Tablet FAQs
Are e-ink tablets better for your eyes?
Many people think so! E-ink displays work differently than the LCD or OLED displays found on traditional tablets. Those displays project light outward and flash their images many times per second. Both qualities are known to cause eye strain, and some people are more susceptible to this than others.
E-ink tablets can refresh a single time to display a static image, and rely on outside light or edge lighting for illumination. Both qualities tend to make them easier on the eyes and much more like traditional paper.
Are e-ink tablets good for drawing?
That depends on the specific tablet in question, but many of them are. A large amount of e-ink tablets use the same electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology found in Wacom art tablets, which is currently one of the leading brands among digital artists. This stylus, in combination with a well-implemented screen and drawing tools, can provide a near paper-like sketching experience.
Art isn’t a primary concern of every e-ink tablet, however, so pay attention to what features and apps the model you’re considering supports. If you’re on the hunt for a great e-ink art tablet, definitely consider the Boox Note Max or Viwoods AI Paper, as both offer a robust selection of art tools and Photoshop-like canvas layering.
Why are e-ink tablets so expensive?
There are several reasons for this, but the biggest is that e-ink, while consistently rising in popularity over the years, is still a small market with less awareness than traditional tablets like the iPad. They’re also not for everyone as their screen technology is inherently more limited than similarly priced LCD or OLED options.
Other reasons include a limited supply chain (branded “e-ink” displays are produced solely by the E Ink Corporation) and the companies themselves are frequently smaller. This translates into a reduced ability to operate at scale, which usually allows for lower prices.
Can e-ink tablets play videos, games, or browse the web?
Yes and no. Remember, e-ink displays don’t refresh as much as LCD displays and both movies and games rely on fast refresh rates to deliver smooth motion. E-ink tablets that can refresh faster than once per page turn are comparatively very slow. Videos and games are often plagued by blurry motion and ghosting that make the experience less than optimal.
With that in mind, the door isn’t completely closed. Newer tablets like the Boox Tab X C can play YouTube videos well enough to make out what’s going on and can refresh quickly enough for simple games like Threes to be very playable. It still won’t compare to a normal tablet, but it’s possible on some tablets. Also, if you’re more concerned with hearing the video than seeing what’s on screen, the refresh rate may not matter at all.
Web browsing is another matter and many e-ink tablets can handle that just fine. Ghosting is still sometimes an issue, but many tablets offer different performance modes or even come with their own browsers to improve performance. If the tablet you’re considering comes with a web browser, it’s usually safe to assume that web browsing and checking up on social media won’t be an issue.
Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. You can find Chris on social media under the handle @gamebynight.